7 Shocking Facts About Navy SEAL Jason Redman's Face Injury And His Unbelievable 37-Surgery Recovery

Former Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman’s story of survival is one of the most powerful and visceral accounts of resilience in modern military history. The sheer scale of his injuries—suffered during a devastating ambush in Iraq—and the subsequent, grueling recovery process involving nearly 40 surgeries, have cemented his status as a living legend and a profound motivational speaker. As of December 13, 2025, Redman continues to share his journey, turning a catastrophic moment of injury into a global platform for leadership and overcoming adversity, proving that physical scars can become symbols of indomitable strength. The details of the 2007 ambush in Fallujah are intense, but the physical and mental transformation Redman underwent afterward is what truly captivates audiences. His injuries were not just a wound; they were a complete reconstruction of his face and life. This article delves into the harrowing facts of the injury, the unbelievable medical journey, and the powerful life he has built since that fateful day, guided by his famous motto: "Lead always and overcome all."

The Profile: Who is Retired Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman?

Jason C. Redman is a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant and a highly decorated Navy SEAL officer. He dedicated 21 years of his life to the Navy, serving 11 years as an enlisted SEAL and another 10 years as an officer.

• Full Name: Jason C. Redman
• Service: U.S. Navy (Retired)
• Rank at Retirement: Lieutenant (O-3)
• Years of Service: 21 years (1989–2010)
• Combat Operations: Led SEAL teams in numerous operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Injury Date: September 13, 2007
• Location of Injury: Fallujah, Iraq
• Post-Military Career: Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker, Resilience Coach, and Founder of the nonprofit organization Wounded Wear (now Combat Wounded Coalition).
• Motto: "Lead always and overcome all."

Redman’s extensive career involved leading combat operations across multiple theaters, but it was his final deployment that would define his public life and mission.

The Ambush: The Catastrophic Injuries Sustained in Fallujah

The life-altering incident occurred on September 13, 2007, during a joint operation by Redman's SEAL team and an Army Special Forces team in Fallujah, Iraq. The team was ambushed, resulting in a devastating torrent of machine-gun fire directed at Redman.

7 Facts About the Severity of Jason Redman’s Injuries

The scope of the wounds Redman sustained was horrific, requiring years of intensive medical intervention.

1. The Shot to the Face: Redman took a direct gunshot wound to the face, which was the most critical injury. The bullet shattered his jaw, destroyed the bones above his eyes, and left him with a partial loss of his nose.
2. The Elbow and Arm Wounds: In addition to the facial trauma, machine-gun fire ripped through his elbow, causing severe damage to his arm.
3. Multiple Rounds Absorbed: He was hit multiple times, with rounds also impacting his helmet, Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), body armor, and weapon, demonstrating the intensity of the ambush.
4. Nearly 40 Surgeries: Redman’s rehabilitation required an astonishing 37 surgeries over the course of four years. Some sources indicate the total number of surgeries reached 40.
5. Loss of Facial Features: A year after the ambush, Redman was still missing his nose, a testament to the extent of the facial reconstruction required.
6. The Worst Type of Injury: Redman himself has noted that facial injuries are particularly devastating because, as humans, we communicate and connect through our faces.
7. The End of His Combat Career: The severity of the devastating injuries effectively ended his career in combat, leading to his retirement.

The Road to Recovery and His New Mission of Resilience

The physical healing was only half the battle; the psychological and emotional recovery was a parallel, equally challenging journey. Redman’s determination to not only survive but thrive became the core of his post-military mission.

The Sign and the Call to Action

While recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Redman famously posted a sign on his door that went viral. The sign was a powerful message to his visitors—and to himself—vowing to overcome his injuries and demanding that people stop feeling sorry for him. This act of defiance and resilience became an early indicator of his future as a motivational leader.

The Shift from Warrior to Speaker

After his recovery, Redman transitioned from a warrior on the battlefield to a warrior for resilience in the business and personal development world.

• Motivational Speaking: He electrifies audiences with high-energy presentations on leadership, failure, redemption, and catastrophic injury. His visible scars serve as proof of his complete recovery and business success.
• The "New 100%": Redman’s philosophy centers on the idea of finding your "new 100%." He argues that after a life-altering event, you cannot go back to your old self, but must instead figure out how to become the best version of your *new* self.
• The Combat Wounded Coalition: He founded the nonprofit organization Wounded Wear (now Combat Wounded Coalition) to provide clothing and support for combat-wounded veterans, helping them transition back to civilian life with pride.
• Bestselling Author: Redman is a celebrated author, sharing his experiences and leadership tenets in books like *The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader*.

Jason Redman’s continued work as a keynote speaker and resilience coach keeps his story fresh and relevant. His message is a powerful reminder that even the most catastrophic injuries, like the one he suffered to his face, can be transformed into a source of profound strength and a platform for leadership. His journey from the operating table to the speaking stage is the ultimate testament to his motto: "Lead always and overcome all."